Peaches, tomatoes, and cucumbers

Arkansas peach season is here!  There is nothing as wonderful (in my opinion) than eating a fresh Arkansas peach (I'm sure Georgians would disagree with me). My favorite way to eat it-- standing over the sink, letting the juice roll off my chin!!!  Fresh tomatoes are so beautiful - bright red and bursting with flavor. Try slicing them, drizzling olive oil over them, and sprinkle with Italian herbs! Or warm, straight from the garden with a salt shaker in hand! Last but not least - cucumbers!!! Fresh sliced, in oil and vinegar, or cream sauce! (For a really great taste, slice, put on toast with mayo!)

We are looking forward to meeting with David and Lindsey Owens, two special friends (remember the meadow wedding from an earlier post?) David and Lindsey have decided to step out in faith and follow God's summons to enter the missionary field. Last year they both held teaching jobs in Guatemala from which they have resigned and are now in the States in order to raise support. Since we are assigned to CRMI's Sanctuary Outpost division we would like to hear of their vision in the mission field across the border with the possibility of partnering with them.  It is the goal of CRMI to spread the Word of God to those outside the boundaries of the continental USA. David and Lindsey are so full of the Holy Spirit, anxious to see where God leads them. Pray for all of us as we meet in the presence of Our Lord.

David and Lindsey lasy July

David and Lindsey one year later

check up time

This week is a busy week for doctor appointments and check-ups, just to make sure we are physically fit. Do we take the time for our spiritual check-up??? Like sitting down and asking God for direction and wisdom on our walk with Him. Are we doing what He is asking- "Walking the talk"? Do my everyday actions, responses, and attitudes actually reflect the image that I am a Christian, a child of God? We often ask Gods help in many areas of our lives, but do we also thank Him for the provision that He has already granted us, proclaiming Him God of Gods and King of Kings? Take the time today to check up on your spiritual health - promise to do more for your Heavenly Father.

Still very hot here, as it is elsewhere in the country. Many gardens are dried, the local crops are very limited and I am sure that food prices are going to increase also. Meanwhile, we are enjoying the limited supply of fresh veggies from our daughter's garden. BLT"s for supper last night along with cucumbers in vinegar (the last batch I made were cucumbers in cream sauce).One of the treats for our daughters here was the fresh rhubarb (brought back from Wisconsin with us) with which I made a torte - the girls had not had one of those in quite a few years.

Two more doctor appointments this morning - then done for the year. We are in the process of selling our pontoon boat - an older one but serviceable. We enjoyed it very much and hope whomever buys it will enjoy being in God's natural wonderland as well as we did. But I had not realized how Arkansans love to trade - we have had offers to trade it for a four wheeler, a car, a 1989 Triumph, and even goats (the goats were a joke, but it was funny for a while)!!!! (We did sell the boat, though, and we thank God for His provision.)

Prairie Grove Christian Church, our home church,, is having vacation bible school right now with the theme of "The Land of Awes "-  Sherry Parrott, our Children's Director, is very talented and does an "ozsome" job of putting this annual program together. Vacation Bible School is a community outreach program open to all the kids in the area, as an effort to bring them the word of God in a fun way.

anyone for a ride

Dorothy and Toto

Munchkins

the Land of Awes in the Sancturary

Whoops -a  house fell on my sister!! (cute treats)

all are welcome

We are continuing with our  small group and Sunday School classes (attending not facilitating) as it is relaxing to let others take the lead and learn from them. Every time I study the Bible I learn something new - something I had not picked up before or never really grasped the meaning of. It is a continuing learning process - I get so excited when something I have studied finally sinks in!!!

As we spend these last few weeks here in Arkansas, getting prepared to head to South Texas we wonder what God has in store for us - last year we had no idea that there would be two more community outreaches waiting for us to discover. Pray for us as we continue to serve our Almighty Lord and Savior.

Down Time

As we relax in Arkansas, this seems to be our down time, if there is even such a thing. We spent the first week scheduling doctor and dentist appointments, moving our granddaughter to her first apartment, and thinking about what we really don't need of our "stuff" - in anticipation of another yard sale. The greatest part of our homecoming is attending services at our home church, Prairie Grove Christian Church and listening again to our minister, Vance Eubanks, who is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. Some of the ladies have started a Tuesday and Thursday morning exercise program, inspired by the Word of God.  I almost talked myself out of going, but went anyway. WOW!!! What an awesome time. Of course, all of the other ladies were younger, some with small children, but what a group we made. I have to admit, the other ladies were politely positive about my attempt to keep up!! The short (although it seemed verrrry long to me) session was spiked with Christian music - imagine exercising to praise and worship songs - as well as inspiring verses. I did to have to take a couple of short breaks, while the younger gals kept on. Hopefully, by the end of a couple of weeks, I will be able to make it through the whole program with no problem. I  truly love our church for being so mission focused, concentrating on others, and truly Loving God, Loving Others, Serving Others. PGCC offers endless ways to serve, either in the church itself and through outreach programs. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)


                                                                     PGCC on a wintery day


We never forget about our ministry in Reynosa, Mexico. We communicate often with Director Betsy  Chacon, who relates all of the activities going on. Graduation exercises have been held, all of the children moving up one grade - those going into 7th grade ( including Lupe and Paty, the two sisters we sponsor) will be bused to a middle school in Reynosa - their first time in a public school. Pray that they remember all of their teaching and continue to follow the Word of God. There are so very many unfavorable outside influences that the kids really need all the Christian encouragement they can get. It is also the busy time of the year for the TEAMS - church groups traveling to Reynosa to work for a week, as well as having the opportunity to minister to and love the children. We are also starting the renovation on our second Casa - these homes have not been remodeled since they were built 35 years ago. Last year we finished the remodeling of Casa #3. Casa #4 has already been gutted and the remodeling started. We are anxiously looking forward to returning South Texas, so we can see all the wonderful things happening there through the grace of God, provided for by your generous
contributions.



                                                  a remodeled kitchen in Casa #3

While staying with our daughter Christine and her husband Scott, we get the opportunity to watch all the amazing wildlife in their yard. especially are the deer with their new fawns - so far 2 sets of twins, one single, and possibly a set of triplets. It is especially rewarding and relaxing to sit outside in the evening and watch them come up to feed. Even our daughter's dog, Cocoa, simply lies in the grass watching them. The deer are not afraid at all as they seem to know that we present no danger.

                                                   another one of God's beautiful creatures

                                                                this mama is a bit shy

                                                                the twins being loving

                                      one twin having a late snack - the other one is already finished

The weather is quite warm here as well as very dry. There are burn bans in almost every county in Arkansas as it is tinder dry - the grass is almost all brown. Absolutely no open fires - even grilling(unless it is gas or electric). The danger of fire is very high. How high is the danger of fire in our lives??  Are we convicted to follow God, accept Jesus as our Savior, and be forgiven of our sins, or are we condemned to  the eternal  fire of Hell?  I am glad I am a part of God's eternal burn ban!!!!

We again would like to thank all of you who have been partners in our ministry by your continued support and love. If God lays it upon your heart to to partner with us, please go to crmintl.org and click on online support.

Last of Wisconsin fun

We spent the last of our two weeks in Wisconsin in a flurry of visiting, reunions, and just enjoying the area. The are many Amish families in the surrounding area - they are such peaceful, God loving people.  Again, I was just itching to take pictures of the families, the sweet obedient children, their homes. But respecting their beliefs, I do not do so. I did get a few pictures tough, with a clear conscience.

an Amish home - just look at all those clothes on the line

One of the many buggies we met on the road

perhaps you read a few years ago when a person opened fire on an Amish school and killed many children there- this is the school were it happened - the total forgiveness that was displayed at the time is an awesome lesson in following the of the Lord's Word

the Amish candy man's  house - where we bought unbelievably delicious chocolate covered cashews and toffee.

 an Amish church wagon - Amish services are held in different homes each time - benches needed for the services are loaded into  this wagon and driven from home to home.

A sight seldom seen anymore in Central Wisconsin are the shang gardens (ginseng plots). At one time, Marathon County, Wisconsin grew 90% of all the commercially grown ginseng in the world, . Because ginseng takes about 4 years to mature, and takes so much out of the soil, many of the fields are no longer able to support it's growth. But at the peak of production, people really reaped the rewards of ginseng growing.

   a "shang" garden  - one of only a few left in the area

God makes magnificent beauty out of everyday things. The wonders of the earth are around us always, ever changing, but God's Word is eternal.  " The grass withers, and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever". Isaiah 40:8  We see so much of everyday beauty that it seems impossible to remember it all. But I do remember God's world is full of wonder and His Word is full of promise.

a picture of serenity

take a stroll across this bridge

beautiful scenery  in an area of SW Wisconsin

                                                                     one of God's special creatures

While visiting at Fred's cousins, they decided to burn some stumps in the ground. Might as well take advantage of the fire for s'mores!

starting one of the stumps

are these people true GB Packers fans

yep - more  green and gold

s'more time!

                                                                           Katie says  - where is mine?

An annual affair in Manawa, WI is a championship rodeo - always held the first week-end in July - a very hot time of year. This year the temps were extremely hot - almost 100 degrees  more than one day. It was great fun watching the parade, especially the kids retrieving the candy thrown from the floats. Not only was candy given out, but also cheese, brats, fishing poles, footballs, flower leis, as well as many other fun things. How much fun was it to people watch, to  see families gathered together to celebrate our freedom, to be able to listen to Christian music being played from some floats. We indeed are lucky to live in te United States, were because of our military and the grace of our Heavenly Father, we can live as we choose, worship as we choose, and not be afraid of repercussions. God is great!

true cowboy entry

a visiting nurse and doctor - actual practicing medical personnel

even the goats get to show off

the time

the temp!  no fireworks are allowed in the area

                                                                                          our lady of freedom